Kaizer Chiefs XI vs Pirates: Who has Da Cruz started in his Soweto derby debut?

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Kaizer Chiefs XI vs Pirates: Who has Da Cruz started in his Soweto derby debut?
Khanyisa Mayo in training, Image - Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz makes his debut in the Soweto derby where the Glamour Boys face the Premier Soccer League defending champions Orlando Pirates.

Bucs are unbeaten in the last five Soweto Derby meetings, with four wins and a draw, including a 3-0 win at FNB Stadium in February 2026 and a 1-1 draw in April. Chiefs‘ last win in this fixture dates back to February 2023.

Goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner injured his finger but captain Brandon Petersen is back. Thabiso Monyane, Siphesihle Ndlovu are out but Langelihle Phili was seen training.

Chiefs are fifth on the table after three wins and five draws, while Bucs are second from seven wins and a draw. Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played a game more, are at the summit.

Who makes Chiefs XI?

Have a look at how the Glamour Boys will start the high-profile fixture against the defending champions.

Chiefs XI: Petersen, Frosler, Miguel, Moloisane, Mako, Maboe, Mthethwa, Vilakazi, Shabalala, Mmodi, Duba.

Subs: Bvuma, Kwinika, Dortley, Nkgwesa, Mabaso, Da Silva, Chislett, Velebayi, Abrahams.

Petersen adamant Chiefs can win title

Meanwhile, Chiefs skipper Petersen has explained why Amakhosi are still in the race for the title.

“The season is still very long and for me, you fight until the end. It doesn’t matter what the gap is or what the gap looks like now,” the Bafana Bafana international said in a presser.

Brandon Petersen
Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen, Image – Kaizer Chiefs

“Obviously, three points would be very important for us in closing that gap but that does not mean anything. For me, it is fighting until the end and making sure that come the end of the season, we gave a good account of ourselves.”

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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  • Football Odds
  • Sports Journalism
  • Football

Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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